Tear Down This Marquee!
By David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier
Hi-Lo Burger at 17111 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, Va.
A reader alerted us late Wednesday to this sign, photographed Thursday outside the Hi Lo Burger Drive In, on Lee Highway in Abingdon. It reads: “Kevins a retard.”
The owner’s daughter told one of our readers, who called to complain, that it was playful banter between siblings. After the owner’s son posted on the sign “Kevin is awesome,” his sister supposedly posted the latest sign. Later Thursday, the sign was changed to read: “Kevins ADHD.”
This is more than a violation of political correctness. This demeans other people and is inappropriate, not to mention juvenile. It’s confusing to passers-by and offensive to people with disabilities and their loved ones. Customers have called to complain, and the owners have apparently tried to laugh it off.
We tried calling the business several times Thursday, but it was closed. No answering machine fielded our calls.
Consider a bit of business advice: If you want to pull a prank on a family member, do it without offending potential customers, disabled people and anyone who drives by.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Actually I think a retraction is in order. Is it the mission of BHC to try to put this small business out of business?
Amy,
That’s sad. This article was aimed at them, and attacked them. If you want to take some things that kids did (to them I’m sure they thought innocently) and make a big deal out it it’s your choice. I think this whole thing is blown out of proportion by this newspaper. Like I said, if the BHC wants to attack political correctness they should write about Letterman. This was nothing more than a silly kids stunt.
It’s sad to see in today’s society that such ignorance and bigotry still exist. Seeing that word used is as offensive to me as seeing a racial or sexual slur. I know I won’t ever give my support or business to them as long as they are under current management.
I love the Hi Lo Burger. I get food from there all the time. Very nice people. Been around as long as I can remember. Lay off of them. Don’t know the owners but I’m sure the siblings meant no harm. This is far from Letterman’s sick thing don’t you think? Write about Letterman if you want to promote political correctness. Not sure why this is newsworthy.
In today’s world of closing businesses this one has been around a to long time to be offending customers with inappropriate messages on signs…...
Advertisement